Big Demands: MUSIGA tells Ghana Music Awards to make major changes!!!

<![CDATA[There seems to be a call for major shake-ups in the way Charter House, producers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, operates the award scheme. The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has made some demands and a letter titled as follows: MUSIGA PROPOSAL TO CHARTERHOUSE FOR BETTERMENT OF MUSICIANS The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) would like to inform the general public that it’s proposal and ongoing negotiations with Charterhouse, organizers of the annual  Ghana Music Awards over the past 13 years seeks to protect  musicians while at the same time enhancing the quality of the event. It is has never been the intention of the Union to jeopardize the good relationship it has had with Charterhouse over the years nor to undermine the 2013 event. Musiga has always collaborated effectively with Charterhouse for the planning and implementation of the awards and wishes to be able to continue in this vein in future. This Statement is in reaction to suggestions in the public domain arising from the on- going discussions between the two parties on concerns raised by members of the Union.Even though it is not the wish of Musiga to put out the details of an ongoing negotiation. It is unfortunate that these internal discussions have  gotten into the public domain in its early stages. We are therefore forced to clear the air by providing information in our proposal. Negotiations between MUSIGA and Charterhouse has been on-going since the first meeting on the 5th of April 2013, where, among other issues, the following were discussed: 1.Formalize MUSIGA-Charterhouse relationship in an MOU, to ensure MUSIGA contributes even more to enhance the GMA brand, considering that the brand has been associated with the Union for the past 13years. 2.Proposal of a minimum performance fee to be agreed by both parties  for GMA performing Artists to ensure high quality performance. 3.Proposal that each award winner receives  cash  award equivalent to the number of awards won rather than the current situation where for instance  an artiste who wins 5 awards receives the same cash amount as the artiste who wins 1 award. 4.Recommendation to increase the annual cash contribution towards  MUSIGA Artiste Welfare and  Development Fund, from the current GHC 15,000 to GHC250,000 per Annum. Charterhouse until the year 2012 had been graciously contributing an amount of  GHC 7000 to the Welfare Fund. Musiga wishes to state also that, this proposal and negotiations will take effect from the 2014 Award Year. We wish to state that this proposal is been put forward in good fate and in the interest of musicians who have over the years raised concern. It is the fervent wish of the Union that this MOU will be signed and the Unions relationship with Charterhouse formalized  by the time of the VGMA 2013 Event(18th May, 2013). The Union heartily commends all members who have shown faith in it and assures musicians that these discussions are to articulate their concerns and arrive at a consensus that will be agreeable. In this connection, the Union would as always, urge all musicians to give out their very best to ensure sponsors,  event producers,  and the general public are always satisfied with their performance. We very much wish VGMA 2013 a resounding success.